SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) -- The Philippine and United States Chaplains, with the Combined Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force, turned over a "bundle of joy" to students and teachers in San Agustin Elementary School, here, on April 13 as part of a pre-Balikatan 2024 Exercise.
 
The said project is composed of four 55-inch TVs, 11 laptops with optical mouses, four printers, and other classroom materials to enhance students’ learning experience, increase digital literacy, and empower learners for the future.
 
San Agustin Elementary School was selected as a conversation partner between the AFP and the US Armed Forces which serves a community where the majority of the parents work in various labor-intensive professions such as fishing,  farming, and carpentry, among others.

In his message, Lt. Stephen Weathers, representative of the United States Armed Forces Chaplain Core, said that the activity is a direct result of the good relationship with its ministers, its clergy, religious key leaders, and educators.

“Teachers will have greater ability and efficiency in the classroom and that the technology will be a tool to help students in the landscape for technology is increasingly necessary for college education,” Weathers said. 

The activity also envisions creating a place of hospitality and trust, a place where leadership is present to discuss concerns, all sharing and helping one another.

Meanwhile, Alma Balubar, principal of San Agustin Elementary School, extended her gratitude to the donors, noting how the technology equipment will have a significant impact on learners and educators. 
 
“And we know that this minimal number of gadgets will give a brighter future for our dear learners,” said Balubar.
 
The school assured continued delivery of quality education, bolstered by the "bundle of joy" it has received.
 
The initiated project is part of Balikatan 2024, an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military that aims to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

La Union serves as the third leg of this year’s Balikatan, which will also have activities conducted in other parts of the country. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)